In this episode of The Intersect I sit down with Natalie Monbiot -- Founder of The Virtual Human Economy -- to explore one of the most profound shifts underway: the rise of AI-powered digital twins, and what it means for the future of identity, work and human flourishing.
As AI agents grow more sophisticated and ubiquitous, we are stepping into a future where every individual could have a working virtual counterpart -- negotiating, building, scaling businesses and extending personal reach across the globe. But as we create ever more life-like digital representations of ourselves, a deeper question emerges: are our digital twins truly us? Or do they risk flattening and commodifying the very humanity they are meant to extend?
Topics Covered:
- What is a digital twin -- and how close are we already
- How AI agents are reshaping the meaning of work and creativity
- The rise of micro global companies and the solo entrepreneur economy
- Why the ‘virtual human economy’ is poised to boom
- The ethical and existential questions digital twins raise
- Whether our digital selves can truly reflect our human selves
- How to use emerging AI tools for empowerment, not erosion
About Natalie Monbiot:
Natalie Monbiot is the Founder of The Virtual Human Economy and a leading thinker on the future of AI, identity and digital labor. A pioneer at the intersection of technology, media and culture, Natalie builds custom pro-human AI solutions for Fortune 100 companies, helping them navigate the rise of AI-powered human extensions and build toward a future of expanded human potential and opportunity.
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